is there a netflix type service that...

allows you to DL content for when you don't have an internet connection? even if its encrypted/proprietary/short term only? i ride the subway sometimes and would love to be able to watch a show from netflix but, obviously, cannot. same amazon prime, etc.

i do buy a lot of shows from iTunes but I struggle to justify buying something on iTunes that I already pay for free access to on Netflix.

I don't know if you have directv or not, but if so they have a service like that. Anything your dvr records can be DL to a mobile device for later viewing. It's a bit of a pain to have to save it to your DVR first, but it is workable in a situation like yours.